Best Telescope Under $1000: Top 10 Picks for Advanced Features on a Budget

Wilson Watts
  Mar 31, 2023 1:23 AM

A good telescope doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, there are plenty of great models that cost less than $1,000. We've rounded up the best telescopes under 1000 dollars in our handy guide. Whether you're a beginner stargazer or an experienced astronomer, we've got a telescope for you. From computerized models to simple refractors, there's something for everyone on our list.

Not sure which telescope is right for you? Keep reading to learn more about the different types of telescopes and what features to look for.

Telescope for Adults Astronomy Professional, 90mm Aperture 700mm Focal Length Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners and Kids with Tripod and Phone Adapter to Observe Moon Planet, View Scenery

HOW WE PICKED & TESTED

  1. Size matters: We look for Telescopes under 100 pounds in weight, although we occasionally test larger models if they offer other notable advantages.

  2. Durability: All telescopes are tested in windy conditions. Ease of use: We review all telescopes prior to purchase, so we know which ones are easy to use for beginners.

  3. Portability: We look for models that are easy to transport and set up.


And the winners:

Best Overall Telescope: 

Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series Refractor Telescope

The Explore Scientific ED80 Essential Series Refractor Telescope provides a sharp and steady view for astronomers on a budget. This entry-level telescope features true apochromatic optics and a powerful, 50mm lens for great views from dark skies. This telescope's aluminum-and-wood construction makes it sturdy and low-maintenance.

This ED80 Essential Series Refractor Telescope comes with a 2-year warranty and lifetime technical support. The included 2-inch (50mm) finderscope offers two eyepieces: a 25mm and a 30mm. This ED80 Essential Series Refractor Telescope is a great choice for beginners, families, and anyone who enjoys viewing the night sky.

Pros

  • Price is decent 
  • Optics are decent 
  • The altazimuth mount offers quick movement 
  • Comes with a nice tripod 
  • Nice eyepiece & finderscope 

Cons

  • The mount is not collapsible 
  • Not an auto-guiding scope

 


Best Value Telescope: 

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Kit

The SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Kit is an excellent value for the price. This XT8 is easy to set up and use, and it's powerful enough to captivate both casual and serious amateur astronomers. The telescope's 8" mirror is significantly larger than many of the competition, so you get more light-gathering power, which means you have better views of brighter objects. The generous 8" aperture also lets you observe deeper-sky objects, like galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae. The included accessories, like a shorty 2x Barlow lens, are a nice bonus, and you can also add on Orion's 2" and 2.25" eyepieces, which allow you to see details you wouldn't be able to otherwise.

The scope's 2" focuser lets you use 1.25" eyepieces, while the included 1.25" adapter lets you use 2" eyepieces. The 2" eyepieces require the use of an eyepiece adapter, which is not included. But, if you buy the optional Orion 2.25" EWP Adapter (not included), you can attach any eyepiece to the XT8's 2.25" focuser, so you can use both 2" and 2.25" eyepieces with this scope. Overall, this is a solid, user-friendly telescope for beginners and intermediate-level astronomers.
Pros

  • Lots of great accessories 
  • Very easy to use 
  • Decent optical performance for the price 

Cons

  • No accessories aside from a 2" eyepiece, which is disappointing 
  • Not a go-to telescope for hunting down deep-sky object

 


Best Saving Product: 

HEXEUM Telescope 130EQ Astronomical Reflector - Manual Equatorial for Adults

Are you looking for a quality air purifier but don't want to pay a small fortune like the Dyson Pure Cool? The Levoit Air Purifiers are an affordable option, with great sound, quick setup, and decent performance. While the Air Purifiers cannot remove the majority of pet dander, dust, and pollen from the air, they're a great option for bedrooms or small offices with typical household allergens. The Air Purifiers are the only air purifiers we tested that automatically shut off after 2 hours, and since you can set the time for auto shut-off to be your own preference (up to 20 hours), they're a bit more user-friendly than some other air purifiers we tested.

That's especially nice for parents who don't want to have the machine running all night. This Aromatherapy Kit comes with three replacement pads, which is nice, and there's enough room in the aromatherapy kit for a handful of your favorite essential oils.

Pros

  • White is aesthetically pleasing
  • Has a nice, modern design and look
  • Has a nice, compact design
  • Has a long battery life 

Cons 

  • The filter is not replaceable 
  • The filter indicator can only be reset through an app (iOS or Android) 

 

Details Compare Products

TOP Choice
1
  • AI Score

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    9.8
  • Brand
    Explore Scientific
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    9.7
  • Brand
    Orion
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3
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    9.6
  • Brand
    HEXEUM
4
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    9.2
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    ABOTEC
5
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    9.2
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    MEEZAA
6
  • AI Score

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    8.8
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    Gskyer
7
  • AI Score

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    8.8
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    Gskyer
8
  • AI Score

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    8.8
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    Gskyer
9
  • AI Score

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    8.6
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    SARBLUE
10
  • AI Score

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    8.4
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    ESSENWI
11
  • AI Score

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    8.2
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    Scopex
12
  • AI Score

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    8.2
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    QQJOY

Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

THINGS CONSIDER WHEN CHOSING BEST TELESCOPE UNDER 1000 DOLLARS

HEXEUM Telescope 130EQ Astronomical Reflector - Manual Equatorial for Adults Astronomy. Comes with 2X Barlow Lens Phone Adapter and Moon Filter & Sun Fliter, Wireless Control, White

To help you find the Best Telescope Under 1000 dollars, here are a few things to keep in mind: 

  • Your budget: It is important to stick to your budget when shopping for a telescope.
  • Your needs: When shopping for telescopes, it is important to consider your needs. Are you looking to buy a telescope for stargazing? Or are you looking for a telescope to use for bird watching?
  • Your personal preferences: It is also important to remember your preferences when shopping for a telescope. Do you have a specific design or color in mind? You should consider these preferences when shopping for a telescope.
  • Your intended use: You should also consider your intended use when shopping for a telescope. Are you planning to use the telescope for terrestrial viewing or astronomical viewing?

FAQs

FAQ 1: What is the best telescope to buy under $1000?
Answer: When looking for telescopes under $1000, the Celestron NexStar 8SE Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope is often considered one of the best on the market. This telescope gives you an impressive 8 inch aperture and a focal length of 2032mm, providing clear images with amazing detail. It has an impressive 155x maximum magnification and its computerized mount gives you easy access to over 40,000 celestial objects. It also includes software for your personal computer so you can preplan your observing sessions and keep track of what you have seen.

FAQ 2: What features should I look for when buying a telescope under $1000?
Answer: When shopping for a telescope under $1000, there are several features that you should consider. First and foremost, look at the aperture size; larger apertures give clearer views of distant celestial objects. Also consider the focal length and magnification; longer focal lengths allow for higher magnifications which will help to bring out more detail in images. Finally, decide if you want an equatorial or altazimuth mount; equatorial mounts allow much easier tracking of astronomical objects while altazimuth mounts are simpler but less precise.

FAQ 3: Are there any online resources to help me choose the best telescope under $1000?
Answer: There are many online resources available to help you choose the right telescope for your budget and needs. Websites such as Sky & Telescope magazine offer reviews of different models in all price ranges so you can compare them side by side to get an idea of their features and performance in real world conditions. Additionally, sites like Telescope Reviews Online offer up detailed user reviews from actual owners who have tested each model over time giving you valuable insights into their experiences with them and how they handled various tasks or extreme weather conditions.

FINAL THOUGHT

Telescope for Adults Astronomy Professional, 90mm Aperture 700mm Focal Length Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners and Kids with Tripod and Phone Adapter to Observe Moon Planet, View Scenery

The telescope is a very helpful tool when it comes to stargazing. With it, you can observe the moon, stars, planets, galaxies, and more. Telescopes come in a variety of different sizes, shapes, and brands. So, if you’re in the market for a new telescope, read on! I’ll share with you some of my top picks for the best telescope under 1000 dollars. Let me know what you think in the comments below – I’d love to hear from you!

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